Cortina's neighbours across the mountains in Alto Adige enjoy a greater degree of administrative independence, as well as more generous state subsidies and lower taxes than most other Italian regions, including Veneto.

But there are also cultural issues.

The move is being promoted by a small ethnic community that speaks an ancient Romance language also spoken across the border in Alto Adige.

Results from a referendum held on Sunday and Monday show an overwhelming majority of Cortina's residents back the change.

The vote clears the way for the start of procedures that could one day see Cortina become part of Alto Adige.

But that will not happen any time soon. Leaders of the Veneto regional government have made it quite clear they are determined not to let Cortina break free.